Name: Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (227 grams); 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300 grams); 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 large egg yolk, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon almond extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (300 grams); ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (227 grams); 4 cups powdered sugar (480 grams); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt; 1-3 tablespoons whole milk; ⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles (your favorite)

I absolutely adore these Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe because they capture all the wonderful flavors of traditional sugar cookies with none of the fuss of rolling and cutting dough. The bars are soft and buttery, perfectly sweet, and topped with a creamy frosting that just melts in your mouth. Adding festive sprinkles on top turns them into an irresistible treat that I love making anytime I want a quick homemade dessert that feels special and celebratory.

Why You'll Love This Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

I have to tell you, what makes this Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe so close to my heart is the balance of flavor and texture. The cookie base is rich and buttery with just the right amount of sweetness, while the vanilla and almond extracts bring subtle warmth and depth. The frosting is luxuriously creamy and adds an extra layer of indulgence that’s hard to beat. Together, they create a treat that’s both nostalgic and completely satisfying.

One of the things I most appreciate about this recipe is how incredibly easy and straightforward it is. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated steps, just simple ingredients and basic mixing skills. Whether I’m baking for a last-minute gathering or just a cozy night in, I always know I can whip up these bars quickly and have something impressive to share.

These snacks are perfect for a variety of occasions as well. From holiday parties to family dinners, or even as a sweet pick-me-up during the week, I find these bars bring everyone together. Plus, the sprinkle decoration means they look festive and inviting, making them stand out on any dessert table without extra effort. It’s really a win-win!

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a grid of square-shaped cakes cut into 20 equal pieces, each with two main layers. The bottom layer is light brown with a soft, cake-like texture, and the top layer is a thick, smooth white frosting. The frosting is decorated with a mix of colorful round and stick-shaped sprinkles in red, green, pink, white, silver, and light blue, scattered unevenly but richly on the surface. The cakes are placed closely together on a flat, white marbled surface, and the photo is taken from above with an iPhone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic in this Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe comes from a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each play a key role in the final flavor and texture. From the creamy butter to the fragrant vanilla and almond extracts, every element contributes to these bars’ softness and richness. The sprinkles add a fun pop of color and holiday cheer.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Unsalted butter: Using softened butter helps achieve the perfect soft texture in the bars and creamy frosting.
Granulated sugar: Essential for that classic sugar cookie sweetness and lovely crumb.
Egg and egg yolk: Provide richness and help bind the dough without making it tough.
Vanilla and almond extracts: Bring wonderful aromatic flavors that elevate the cookies beyond basic sugar sweetness.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure and ensures the bars bake up soft but stable.
Baking powder and sea salt: The leavening gives a gentle lift while salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
Powdered sugar: Key to making that light, fluffy frosting.
Whole milk: Adjusts frosting consistency so it’s spreadable but not runny.
Sprinkles: Add a festive, cheerful touch to the finished bars.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and easy removal of the bars once they’re done.

Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This process is so important to get a tender texture in the bars.

Step 3: Beat in the whole egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is fully combined and smooth. The almond extract is subtle but adds such a lovely depth of flavor here.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent baking.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough soft and tender.

Step 6: Spread the cookie dough evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula or your hands.

Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the edges to turn lightly golden. Insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan; this helps them set perfectly before frosting.

Step 9: For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, half a cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to avoid clumps.

Step 10: Add vanilla extract, salt, and one tablespoon of milk, beating until light and fluffy. Adjust the milk a teaspoon at a time to reach your ideal spreadable consistency.

Step 11: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Finally, sprinkle your favorite festive sprinkles on top for a cheerful finish. Cut into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

This Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe yields about 20 generous bars, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Prep time is a quick 15 minutes, which makes it easy to fit in even a busy day. The cook time is roughly 20 minutes, bringing your total time to about 35 minutes, including cooling and frosting. It’s a great recipe when you want something homemade without spending all afternoon in the kitchen.

How to Serve This Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

The image shows several square cookies arranged on a metal rack, placed on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two layers: a light golden tan base with a soft, crumbly texture, and a thick, smooth white frosting on top. The frosting is decorated with red and green elongated sprinkles scattered evenly across the surface. One cookie in the front has a bite taken out of the edge, showing the layers clearly. There are loose sprinkles scattered on the white marbled surface around the cookies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these sugar cookie bars, I love pairing them with a simple fruit salad or fresh berries to cut through the richness and add a refreshing contrast. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. Presentation-wise, arranging them on a festive platter with colorful sprinkles still visible makes them a showstopper at any party or holiday gathering.

One of my favorite ways to elevate the occasion is to serve these bars alongside a warm drink. Think hot cocoa, a rich cup of coffee, or even a holiday-spiced tea. If you’re looking for an adult beverage pairing, a light sparkling wine or a creamy cocktail like an eggnog adds an extra festive flair.

I find these bars taste best at room temperature, which allows the frosting to be soft and the cookie base to melt gently on your tongue. You can chill them briefly if you prefer a firmer frosting, but I usually slice and serve soon after frosting to keep that perfect balance of softness and creaminess. Cutting into roughly 2-inch squares works well for portion control and presentation.

Variations

I love playing around with this classic Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For example, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make these bars safe for gluten-sensitive friends without losing that soft texture. I’ve also experimented with using vegan butter and a flax egg to create a vegan-friendly version that’s just as delicious.

Flavor-wise, you can get creative with the extracts. Try swapping the almond for peppermint extract during the holidays for a refreshing twist or add citrus zest (like lemon or orange) to the dough for a bright, fragrant note. For the frosting, adding a bit of cream cheese gives a tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the sweet cookie base.

If you’re interested in different cooking experiences, these bars can also be baked in smaller pans for thicker treats or even shaped into individual cookies if you prefer a more traditional texture. Though the bars are meant to be soft and tender, a short chill before cutting can help create cleaner slices if baking in a warm kitchen.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their soft, fresh-baked quality. If I want to stretch their shelf life, storing them in the refrigerator inside a sealed container works well for up to a week. Just make sure to bring the bars back to room temperature before serving so the frosting softens and the cookies regain their tenderness.

Freezing

I do recommend freezing the unfrosted cookie bars if you want to prep ahead. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, where they’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature completely before spreading the frosting and adding sprinkles to keep that fresh homemade feel.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat sugar cookie bars is by letting them come to room temperature naturally, especially when they’re frosted. If you prefer a warm treat, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave can soften the frosting just a bit, but avoid overheating as it might make the texture oily or the frosting melt excessively. Avoid reheating in the oven once frosted, as it can dry out the bars and melt the topping unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

You can, but I recommend reducing or omitting any extra salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the salt level, but salted butter works in a pinch.

How should I store these bars if I want to make them ahead for a party?

I suggest baking the bars ahead, storing them unfrosted in the freezer, then frosting them the day of your event. This keeps the bars fresh and the frosting bright and fluffy for your guests.

Can I substitute almond extract with something else?

If you don’t have almond extract or prefer not using it, vanilla extract alone works well. You might also experiment with a hint of maple or coconut extract to add a different but pleasing dimension to the flavor.

Are these sugar cookie bars suitable for meal prep snacks?

Absolutely! These bars keep well at room temperature and refrigerate nicely, making them convenient for grab-and-go treats or dessert portions in weekly meal plans.

What’s the secret to getting a soft cookie bar texture?

The key is not overmixing the flour into the wet ingredients and making sure you don’t overbake. Removing the bars when they have a few moist crumbs on a toothpick helps retain softness and tenderness.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe a try the next time you want a homemade dessert that’s simple, festive, and utterly delicious. These bars have become one of my go-to treats because they’re so easy to make and guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Once you bake them, you’ll see why I can’t stop reaching for this recipe when I want that classic sugar cookie experience in a fresh, fun way!